Sounds like everyone is stuck on a narrow path or view.
Ram Trucks squat, with hardly any weight added to them, either in the box or on a hitch.
It is how they get that awesomely smooth ride. 5th Gens are worse, than 4th Gens but ride better.
IMO.
Smoother without being floating. 5th Gens feel more planted yet still as smooth over bumps, ridges and uneven surfaces.
But, ya get squat.
Did not know Ram OEM Springs were progressive. Could be, thought OEM Springs were a Constant rate of compression but, again, not sure.
I am sure that a set of tuftruck progressive rate springs will keep that OEM ride, give you about the same squat with 3 to 400 lbs but firm up nicely with any weight beyond that. Figure 2 inch squat. I also know that a set of tuftruck Constant rate springs will reduce that squat to practically nil, same 400lb load but your ride will suffer. it will feel even more planted and not nearly as smooth.
I went with the COnstant rate, on myh 2014 4th gen but if I do upgrade springs, on this 5th Gen, it will probably be Progressive rate springs. as I liek this trucks ride.
I recommend upgrading springs, first. Rarely fail upgrade option, if progressive rate, no unloaded ride changes.
NExt upgrade wold be shocks. Will later ride by stiffening up the the bumps but most will not notice nor complain about it.
Lastly, if needed or if makes one feel more comfortable by having the added option, adding air bags.
Go with best you can find.Do not obther with the compressor and all that. Buddy had it, went through them about every 3 years. under warranty but still.
Just get teh bags, themselves, run seperate lines to each bag and have a portable Air pump handy. Pick one for under $50 that will run off A/C or D/C and do the job nicely.
many have gone with just air bags and been quite content.
Depends on situation, load, driver, driving habits and terrain conditions.
No matter what though, hard to beat a new set of big **** springs. Specially if OEM ride doe snot suffer.
No Down side other than cost and cost is less than $300 or close to it.